PARKER — Chaparral is loaded with experience on defense this season, and it could signal a shift in the team’s identity.

The Wolverines are returning four three-year starters on defense, and three of them are in the backfield: DBs Gavin McHenry (46 tackles, team-high 10 passes defended, three interceptions in 2010), Spencer Vogt (96 tackles, one interception) and Andrew McReynolds (64 tackles, three interceptions).

There’s also senior linebacker Cole Alderson — who had 64 tackles, three forced fumbles and an interception last season — and coach John Vogt also includes defensive lineman Shane Keith (83 tackles, five sacks, four forced fumbles) in that experienced group.

“They’ve been to war together, and they’ve been playing together since they were kids, really, so it’s a big deal,” Vogt said. “Here in Parker, if we can keep these kids together (and) from going to Regis (Jesuit) or Valor (Christian), or wherever, it makes us a better team when they play together all those years.”

Neil Devlin, originally from the Philadelphia area, has covered high school sports in Colorado for more than 30 years, writing about the people, athletes and events that encompass the Rocky Mountain prep sports world.